Almost a third of adults will be making positive changes to Christmas this year, including driving fewer miles across the country and using recyclable wrapping paper.
A survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate the season also revealed 22 per cent will purchase more eco-friendly presents for others this year and 40 per cent will avoid buying gifts that could be considered ‘tat’.
While 18 per cent will be cutting down the amount of meat on offer for the big meal, and one in 10 will go entirely vegan.
And one in six will be donating to charity instead of buying presents.
Jac Tyrrell of free from chocolate brand NOMO, which commissioned the research as part of its campaign to do things differently this year, said: “Many people are seeing Christmas as a time of year they can make meaningful changes in their lives; reinverting traditions and creating new sustainable ones.
“The smallest things can make the biggest difference, from changing what you eat to what you gift someone at Christmas.
“It is now widely recognised that making a positive change by eating vegan is no longer about compromising on taste.”
Other positive changes respondents plan to make this year included donating to food banks, shopping for second hand gifts and asking others not to buy them presents.
While 19 per cent will be regifting a present to someone less fortunate, and 27 per cent won’t bother sending physical Christmas cards.
Open to Christmas changes
It also emerged respondents expect they’ll make an average of four positive changes during the festive period.
And for 54 per cent, it’ll be the first year they actively look to make such adjustments during the season.
The cost-of-living crisis has been the main driving factor in looking to help others in need according to 56 per cent, while 55 per cent simply want to be less wasteful and mix up Christmas a little.
While 45 per cent think there’s never been a better time to do their bit for the planet.
Of those making positive changes, 59 per cent will also actively be encouraging others to do the same.
It also emerged nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of all respondents have bought a present in the hope of influencing someone for the better according to the survey carried out via OnePoll.
When it comes to the food being consumed over Christmas, 41 per cent would consider opting for vegan chocolate this year and 14 per cent would think about having a full vegan dinner on the big day.
And 68 per cent believe you don’t always have to live by festive traditions.
Jac Tyrrell, from NOMO, added: “The research has shown people are open to changing and developing their habits in the Christmas season.
“This year to celebrate changing traditions, we’ve has partnered with Santa who’ll be changing his red suit to blue to get people thinking about how they can make their yearly traditions more sustainable.
“It might take a little getting used to but we hope it’s a positive change we can all get on board with.”
Top 20 positive changes Christmas Brits will make this Christmas
- Reusing Christmas decorations
- Spending less overall
- Not buying tat that no one will actually use
- Spending less money on gifts
- Cutting down on gifts
- Shopping earlier to spread the cost
- Using recyclable wrapping paper
- Avoiding wrapping paper / cards which feature glitter
- Buying food in budget supermarkets
- Donating to a food bank
- Avoid sending cards
- Asking others not to buy you presents
- Shopping for second hand gifts
- Buying eco-friendly presents
- Driving fewer miles across the country to visit friends and family
- Regifting a present you don't use to others less fortunate
- Donating to charity instead of sending Xmas cards
- Cutting down on meat
- Sending digital Christmas cards to cut back on waste
- Donating to charity instead of buying gifts
